In case you missed it, the non-conference slate is already out, but let’s dive right into the meat and potatoes.
There it is, in all its glory. Syracuse’s 2021-22 conference schedule has been released, and it’s an absolute doozy.
A Brutal Start
Two of SU’s first three conference games are against teams are guaranteed to be in the top 25. The Orange kick off ACC play with an early trip down to the “Tuck” in Tallahassee, and you better believe Leonard Hamilton has reloaded his roster again. To ring in the new year, the Orange play 2021 ACC Tournament champions Georgia Tech, and three days later, the always-stifling defense of Virginia.
Two Tough Weeks
Check out the weeks of January 15th and February 5th. Starting with FSU at the Dome, a midweek contest with Clemson, who returns a lot of talent, and then traveling down to Cameron Indoor Stadium. With the Crazies back, Cameron returns to its revered status as one of college basketball’s hallmark venues. It’s also Coach K’s last home contest against his great friend Jimmy B.
To February, the stretch begins with Louisville, who the Orange didn’t get to face last year because of multiple COVID-19 pauses within the Cardinals’ program. UL could be considered an unknown, especially after all the offseason ugliness going around. BC should be a cakewalk, but Virginia Tech on the road is no easy task. Mike White’s team got better and better as the year went on, and star forward Keve Aluma is back for another year.
A Tight Turnaround
Last but not least, how’s this for a two day stretch. Duke in the Dome, and two days later, UNC in Chapel Hill. Not much more needs to be said. Syracuse better be firing on all cylinders come late February.
Easy Access
The nice thing about Syracuse’s conference slate? Almost all of the games (18 of 20, to be exact) are going to be broadcast on ESPN’s family of networks. Chances are us die-hard Orange fans won’t miss a single second. (Unless ACCN wants to pull some stuff like they did last weekend. UVA-Illinois was a meaningless game, and the last two minutes took like 10 real-time minutes!!!)
